Whisper of Blood

by James Dale

  In minutes all was ready. Jack stood on the forecastle. From there he would direct the boarding of his ten men. Dorad would lead another party from the main deck about midship, and Tarsus would lead the last of the boarders from the high advantage of the quarterdeck. With the captain were also two other pirates, Melmikk the Hawk and Gartham. They would man the ship's borelstrades, two, crossbowlike weapons capable of firing boarding hooks, fire pots, or long, deadly javelins.

  Crouching behind the port side bulwarks hid the ten archers waiting for Jack's command to begin firing. On the main deck waited the thirty buccaneers who would board their prey. Each at the moment were pretending to be about some business or other vital to the life of the ship. On their faces were illconcealed looks of anticipation. Close by, hidden under canvas, behind barrels, and in coils of rope, were their weapons, ready to be manned in an instant.

  The ships came closer. At about two thousand yards Braedan could make out the yellow, guidon, shaped banner of Annoth. In less than ten minutes there was but a thousand yards separating the two ships, one predator the other prey. At five hundred yards small figures could be seen on the other ship. At two hundred yards Tarsus could tell something was odd about the crew of the Annothian vessel and shouted for his men to stand ready. When the ships were one hundred yards apart, they executed similar maneuvers that brought them into a roughly parallel course.

  At fifty yards, Tarsus realized there would be no plundering today.

  "Hell's devils!" he shouted, loud enough to be heard by the crews of both ships when only twenty yards separated them. "It's the Huntress! Kaiddra! Where are you woman? We heard you were sailing off the coast of Amorhad!"

  "Tarsus? Is that you?" came a voice from across the water. Out of her hiding place, sword in hand, stepped the captain of the Huntress. She was tall and slim, with delicate features, glossy, raven black hair, and almond shaped eyes the color of storm clouds. More than a few men had mistaken her feminine beauty for a sign of weakness. Some of them had paid for that mistake with their lives. She was called the Queen of the Sea among the Brotherhood, deadly with her cavalry saber and deadlier still with her charm and wit.

  "Yes, it's me!" Tarsus answered. "Bring in the sails lads!" His men scrambled to slow the Seawolf as the crew of the Huntress also brought in their ship's canvas. Soon the two vessels were motionless on the gently rolling sea. Ropes were thrown between them and they met with a delicate bump as pirates hastened to secure the ships together.

  "Who did you expect to find out here?" he asked when the two ships were settled.

  "A ship to plunder. What else?" laughed Kaiddra, as she sprang across to the Seawolf and embraced Tarsus. "Where is Cullibranos?"

  “Dead with a Norgarthan sword in his belly. I am captain now,” Tarsus replied.

  “Praise Yh’Adan,” Kaiddra smiled. “You should have slit his throat long ago. I never liked that weasel. Ho Dorad! Still hanging around with this unwashed Amarian, I see?” She laughed as she moved on to the second mate and embraced him in turn. “When are you going to leave him and join my crew?”

  “When he pays me back what he owes me,” Dorad laughed. “You are looking well.”

  “I always look well,” Kaiddra smiled, brushing back a wayward lock of her raven hair. “And who might you be?” she asked, noticing Braedan for the first time. She eyed him appreciatively, as if judging a prized steer at auction. “You’re not one of the Seawolf’s toothless murderers, that’s obvious.”

  “This is Jack Braydaon, Ranger of the Kingdom of America,” Tarsus replied. “We found him wandering around in the Ailsantain. He pulled my arse out of a tight spot, so I decided to let him tag along. Jack, meet Captain Kaiddra de’Caerl. Queen of the Seas.”

  "It’s John Michael Braedan, my lady," He corrected as he took her offered hand and kissed it. He immediately felt like three times the fool, but the raven haired woman beamed with pleasure. “My friends just call me Jack. I am pleased to meet you.”

  "Don't let his soft speech fool you," the Amarian laughed. "If not for this man I would be in Hell with Cullibranos. He jumped out of the air like a forest spirit and sliced up a dozen Norgarthans. Best damn fighter I've ever saw."

  "Captain Tarsus exaggerates m'Lady," Jack smiled. "The fight was all but over when I joined in. I accounted for no more than a handful."

  "Oh, I like you," Kaiddra purred. “Would you consider leaving this sorry lot, Jack Green Eyes? I can think of several positions you would enjoy on the Huntress.”

  "Now, don't go getting any ideas," Tarsus warned her with a smile. "He's my second mate and weapons master. I plan to make a great deal of money off his sword arm."

  "It was just a thought."

  "I know you," Tarsus teased. "Your thoughts are more dangerous than your sword."

  "True," Kaiddra laughed. "Very well, I will let you keep him...for now at least. Have you heard the news Tarsus?” she asked, her appraising stare finally shifting away from Braedan.

  “What news?” Tarsus asked. “You are the first ship we’ve seen since leaving Brimcohn.”

  “Bloody Max has called a Council,” she replied. “All Brotherhood ships are to return to the Felnors at full sail.”

  “A council,” Tarsus snorted. “What for?”

  “I can’t say?” Kaiddra replied, shrugged her slim shoulders. “I was headed back when we spotted your sails. Will you answer the call?”

  "I had hoped to do a bit of reaving first," the Amarian sighed, "but yes, I’ll answer.”

  "Race you back?" Kaiddra smiled.

  “The stakes?” Tarsus asked, sensing a trap. The Huntress was one of the fastest ships in the Brotherhood.

  "If you lose,” she smiled, turning back to Braedan. “I get your charming new morsel as bounty."

  “If you beat us back by…half a day,” Tarsus replied. “I’ll let him buy you a drink. How’s that?”

  “Agreed,” Kaiddra sighed. “Look for me at the Shark’s Tooth to pay your captain’s debt, Jack Green Eyes.”

  "I look forward to it m'Lady," Jack bowed.

  "As do I," the beautiful captain laughed seductively. "Good sailing Seawolf,” she said, tossing Tarsus a causal salute, then climbed onto the ship’s railing and lept back to the Huntress. She was shouting orders before her feet touched the deck. “All right you dogs! Get my ship under way! Perhaps we may yet find something to burn before we reach Brimcohn."

  The crew of the Huntress scurried to obey her commands, using stout poles to push the vessels apart and soon the other ship was under sail and moving south.

  "Isn't it a little unusual to have a woman as captain of a pirate ship?" Jack asked, watching the Huntress as it slowly pulled away.

  "Aye," Tarsus nodded, "but then Kaiddra is not your usual woman. She may look like a delicate flower, but she's deadlier than a shark. But you'll discover that for yourself soon enough."

  "Oh?" Braedan asked, turning to look at the captain. "How's that?"

  "Kaiddra had a hungry look in her eyes," Tarsus sighed pitifully. "There isn't any place on Aeralnen Widewater you could hide from her."

  "What makes you think I'd want to hide?" Jack asked. "She's a…striking woman."

  "She's a beauty no doubt about that," Tarsus laughed, "but so is a tigerfish. Once you grab it by the tail however, you learn it’s just as dangerous to hold on as it is to let go. Either way you end up with some scars."

  "Who knows," Dorad said playfully. "Maybe Jack Green Eyes will be the man to finally tame her?"

  "I hope so," the barbarian lamented. "I'd hate to lose him so soon after he's joined us."

  "Lose me?" asked Jack. "What do you mean?"

  Both the Amarian and the former prince shook their heads sadly.

  "Come on," Jack smiled. "What's wrong with her?"

  "Let's get this ship under way!" Tarsus turned and bellowed at the pirates who had gathered to listen to the officers, evading the question. "There's many a league between us and Brimcohn. It's been nice knowing you, J
ack Green Eyes." he sighed, patting Jack on the shoulder as he walked away.

  "What did he mean by that?" Jack asked Dorad.

  "We've at least two weeks before we reach port," the Doridanian smiled. "Would you take a minute and write a note giving me back my sword and mail?" he asked, before also walking away, leaving Braedan alone on the quarterdeck to ponder his fate.

  Chapter Eight

  Brimcohn

  One hundred and fifty years ago, piracy on the seas of Aeralnen Widewater was on the verge of extinction. It had been five hundred thirty years after the defeat of the dark King Graith, and there was peace throughout Aralon. The nations of the east that had followed his obsidian banner into battle retained but a shadow of their former glory, and would still be another century before they could trouble the Whesguard Alliance. The fallen race of grim’Hiru, bereft of the Bloodstone that had cursed them and given them purpose, had retreated to their mountain strong-holds to heal their wounds and wallow in hate. With peace reigning on the continent, the nations of Annoth and Doridan agreed to once again combine their navy's might and eradicate the pirates plaguing their coastal cities and shipping. Singularly and unaided, the pirates stood against the strength of two seafaring kingdoms.

  In the three short years after the initiation of their campaign, eighty-six pirate ships were destroyed and an estimated four thousand men were killed, while three hundred more were captured and imprisoned. At that time, the number was thought to be over three quarters of the pirates sailing off the coast of Aralon. Of the rest, there seemed to be no sign. They had either left in search of safer waters to the south off the coasts of Zslonandar, Lgandon and the Southran Jungles, or had given up their bloody trade for the quieter, and much safer life, of merchanting, farming, or legitimate sailing. For almost a decade, piracy was unheard of in Aralon.

  There were some few captains however, who were reluctant to give up their chosen profession. Captain Eridel of the Shark's Tooth was one. Captain Malargo Tulan of the Madame Rose, Kantos Ellgon, Captain of the Count Driscol, who was the third son of the Mayor of West Caerloth, were two others. These three men led some seven other lesser pirate captains in council on a small island east of the mouth of the Ellsantain River and some two hundred miles northwest of the Gulf of Nor.

  In their opinion, the collapse of piracy resulted because there were no alliance existing between the captains and no organized and secure base from which to conduct their trade. The only way to survive the might of Annoth and Doridan they reasoned, was to form a league of pirates, all acting with one purpose, under one banner, from a hidden and defended base. The other captains were convinced, a document was signed, oaths were taken, and the Free Brothers of the Sea were born.

  The Brotherhood for the first few years of its existence, was nothing more than an agreement between new comrades, for the signing captains spent most of their time avoiding the squadrons of Doridanian and Annothian warships, while the rest of their energy was spent searching for an island on which to install their base. They made limited raids during this time and captured only a handful of ships. Some few even did a bit of clandestine trading to establish contacts for the time when they swung their operations back to piracy.

  Now while searching far into the west of Aeralnen Widewater, a certain captain of the Brotherhood, Thomas Felnor of the ship Desperado, came across a far-flung archipelago of dozens of low-lying islands on the edge of the open ocean. The islands were the most pleasing haven to ever meet the squinting gaze of any buccaneer. The largest island of the group was the ideal location for the home of the Free Brothers of the Sea. The waters of its spacious lagoon were of perfect depth for a harbor, too shallow for the large warships of Doridan and Annoth, but deep enough for the shallow drafted brigantines and frigates favored by the majority of the pirates. The high, rocky hills surrounding the lagoon provided a panoramic view of the ocean around the islands, while the coral reefs of the archipelago abounded with shrimp, lobster and all varieties of fish. The wooded interior of the island teamed with wild boar, stag and other small game, as well as a wide variety of tropical fruits. It was truly the paradise the Brotherhood had been searching for. Captain Felnor carefully charted the location of the islands then set off for the waters of Aralon in search of the ships of his comrades.

  A little over a year later, an armada of fourteen ships made their way back to the archipelago, christened the Felnor Islands in honor of their discoverer. Carried in that armada was grain, livestock, lumber and all manner of material needed to build a home for the Brotherhood. Over four hundred men, women and children arrived. With them were carpenters, stonemasons and artisans recruited by the pirates, many of whom were pirates themselves before the collapse caused by the navy's of Annoth and Doridan.

  For two years they labored, building the city and forming the islands into a protective ring around their base. Cliffs were undermined to block passages between the islands and the barrier reefs were built up until there were only a few navigable waterways to the main island and its quickly growing city. Crops were planted, harvested and planted again. Great warehouses were built for the storage of goods and houses and inns and markets and shipyards were built, as well as a great hall for their government. Finally, six years after the signing of the document that had formed the Free Brothers of the Sea, their base was complete. Brimcohn, the city of pirates was born.

  One hundred and thirty-five years later, Brimcohn was a thriving port city that wanted for nothing, and what it lacked, its sons took from whomever possessed it, be they beggar or king. The city boasted almost four thousand souls, fishermen, farmers, artists, traders, and pirates aplenty. The Brotherhood possessed a fleet of nine ships, five of which were great Dreadnoughts that roamed the seas around the Felnors, protecting their base. Though the city was ruled by a Council of Admirals and the Council of Captains, the only law on the island was that of the fist and the strength of a man's arm. There was a contingent of Council Guard, but they were rarely used. Swords were prohibited in Brimcohn for fear that its inhabitants would take to fighting each other when they weren't out at sea, but still at night the streets flowed with wine and blood. In the numerous taverns that abounded in the city, pirates fought and drank their way into unconsciousness, or rolled the night away with prostitutes. In games of chance they gambled away fortunes, knowing they could replace their losses with one trip to sea. In Brimcohn, the pirates felt truly free of the restraints placed upon men by the laws of the west. There were many other places in the world more lawless, but none where debauchery was practiced with such abandon.

  "Land ho!" came a cry from the crow's nest.

  Tarsus was on the quarterdeck with the navigator Lars. He raised Braedan's scope to his eye and scanned the sea. Off the port bow he saw it, a low body of land on the far horizon. It was one of the outlying islands of the Felnors. On it would be pirate look outs, in a tower that was not yet visible. When the Seawolf was identified as a ship of the Brotherhood, they would light a fire. Upon the fire they would add a powder manufactured on the island, which would turn the smoke of their blaze green and an escort would be sent to guide them through the labyrinth waterways to the port harbor. If the ship had not been one of the Brotherhood, another powder would have been added, one that would have turned the smoke red, and the warships of Brimcohn would be sent to destroy the intruder.

  Tarsus had the colors of the Brotherhood run up the mast line, and the crew cheered. The lookouts would soon spot the banner and light their fire, and then it would be on to Brimcohn and a well-deserved liberty.

  Jack joined Tarsus on the quarterdeck, rubbing sleep from his eyes. "What is it captain?" he asked.

  "We're home," smiled the Amarian. "Brimcohn lies an hour ahead. Within it all the pleasures money can buy!"

  Jack looked at the quickly growing island. The tower was now visible and a green smoke was just beginning to rise into the air. He peered through the rifle scope Tarsus handed him and atop the stone finger reaching into the
sky, two men could be seen.

  "Sentries?" he asked.

  "Yes," answered the captain. "Soon a sloop will be launched to guide us into Brimcohn. Ring the ship's bell and summon the crew." Jack walked over to the brass bell and pulled sharply on the rope three times. In minutes, the Seawolf's crew was gathered on the main deck.

  "Take in the sails lads!" shouted Tarsus. "And get to the oars! Brimcohn's ahead."

  Another cheer went up from the pirates and they scrambled to their tasks. As they worked, they broke into song.

  "Yo! Ho! Ho! To Brimcohn we go.

  to quench our thirst with a bright red flow!

  For our reaving's done and it's time for fun,

  with women and song all the night long,

  Till our heads start to bang like a gong

  Yo! Ho!"

  Till our heads start to bang like a gong!

  Yo! Ho! Ho! To the Felnor's we go!

  to quench our thirst with a golden flow

  To Brimcohn we steer, to women and beer!

  Where we'll love and we'll sing,

  till our ears start to ring

  and our eyes grow as red as the sun!

  Yo! Ho!

  and our eyes grow as red as the sun!

  Yo! Ho! Ho! With our brothers we'll shout,

  of our swords so sharp and our arms so stout!

  Till we wrestle and fight to prove our might,

  then run to the streets to find bigger feats,

  and awake with a broken nose!

  Yo! Ho!

  and awake with a broken nose!

  About a half hour later, their escort was sighted and the Seawolf was hailed. "Ahoy brothers!" shouted the sloop's captain. "Who enters the realm of the Brotherhood?"